3 positions of need for the Texas Rangers heading into the MLB Winter Meetings

The Rangers are in the middle of the offseason and have no clear designated hitter option. With Mitch Garver leaving into free agency, there is not only a need for an upgrade, but a need for simply a person to fill that role. There are people within the roster that could possibly fill the spot, but it is unlikely that the Rangers will end the Winter Meetings, or at least the offseason, without addressing the DH position.

Should the Texas Rangers bring back Mitch Garver?

One option would be to bring back Garver and slot him into the spot. He loves playing in Texas and has expressed interest in coming back. While that is an option, I am not sure that is what the Rangers will choose to do. Health concerns have been an issue with Garver his entire time with the organization, and those aren't going to go away. Now, if they decide to not catch him unless in an emergency situation and instead carry Heim and a different backup catcher, then the health risk would go down dramatically. Garver will be 33 years old in January and it is unlikely that he is ready to put the catching gear up for good at this point.

There just so happens to be a guy by the name of Shohei Ohtani that would slot perfectly into the DH role for the Rangers in 2024 and also give them another starting pitcher beginning in 2025 when his arm rehab is completed. Much internal and external debate on the cost versus gain of this potential signing has been going on for quite some time and will continue until Ohtani ultimately signs with the Rangers or somewhere else. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Rangers are now out on Ohtani, but I would say that both Ohtani and Chris Young tend to do their negotiating on the down low, so stay tuned.

This position of need could be filled with the greatest player on the planet or just another power bat that is past their prime in the field. Either way that the team decides to go, DH will be a point of emphasis for the Rangers.

Next: The elephant in the room for the Rangers